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Copy 1 j^ Enemies of Israel: 



A Hanukkah Fantasy 
in One Adt: by Louis 
Broido :::::: 



Department of Synagog and School Extension 

oi the Union of American Hebrew Congregations 
Cincinnati, Ohio 



The Union Graded Series 

For Jewish Religious Schools 

BOARD OF EDITORS 

for the Unionof American Hebrew Congregations 

and the Central Conference of 

American Rabbis 

Dr. David Philipson, Chairman 

Dr. Louis Grossmann 

Dr. Max Heller 

Dr. Emil G. Hirsch 

Dr. Kaufmann Kohler 

Dr. Wm. Rosenau 

Dr. Samuel Schulman 

Dr. Abram Simon 

Rabbi George Zepin 



The Enemies of Israel: 
A Hanukkah Fantasy 
in One Adl: by Louis 
Broido :::::: 



Department of Synagog and School Extension 

of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations 
Cincinnati, Ohio 



Persons of the Play 



MR. SOLOMON. 
MRS. SOLOMON. 

JUDAH Their son, aged 13. 

SIMEON Their son, aged 12. 

MIRIAM Their daughter, aged 10. 

HANNAH Their niece, aged 9, a visitor from a distant town. 

MARY Their maid, 

IGNORANCE. 

GREED. 

FEAR. 

EVIL. 

TRUTH. 

12 HANDMAIDENS OF TRUTH. 

12 CHILDREN Guests at party in Scene II. 



a 



The Enemies of Israel'^ 

A Hanukkah Fantasy in One Act 

BY LOUIS BROIDO 



Prologue 

Dear friends, who've come to see our little play, 
We bid you greeting. For your presence here 
We thank you, and with all our hearts we pray 
You will enjoy our playlet. Have no fear. 
We'll do our best to tell the season's story. 
Give heed, I pray, and hear of Israel's glory. 

SCENE I 

The parlor of the Solomon home. It is a modern room, well 
furnished, cozy and comfortable. There is a door, rear, leading 
to the hall and an open doorway, right, leading to the dining room. 
In the right front wall is a fireplace. On left side of room is 
a table. On the other side is a large armchair before the fire. 
At rise of curtain, Simeon is at table reading and two girls 
are on the armchair before the fire. 

Enter Judah, door R., chewing. 

Simeon. Where've you been, Judah? (Sees him chewing.) Eat- 
ing again? Out in the kitchen, eh? 

Judah. (With a smile.) Yes, I was out helping Mary prepare 
dinner. You know she is so busy at holiday time, I 

like to do what little I can for her. 

Miriam. I can imagine how you helped her. I guess you were 
showing her how to get rid of her cakes. 

Simeon. Yes, Judah's pretty good at the disappearing act. I 
suppose when he grows up he'll join a circus and be- 
come a sword swallower. 

6 



6 " T/ie Enemies of Israel ^^ 

Judah. You needn't talk, Simeon, I saw you eat three cakes at 
Hannah's party the other night. 

Miriam. And two portions of ice cream. 

Hannah. And two bananas. 

Simeon. Stop, stop, that's enough. I guess none of us like to 
fast. Did you see anything good out in the kitchen, 
Judah? 

Judah. There's all kinds of goodies. Mother certainly does 
get up things in great shape when Hanukkah comes. 
By the way, Hannah, this will be your first Hanukkah in the 
big city, won't it? 

Hannah. It will, and I'm glad to be here. Auntie told me of 
your beautiful service and I'm so anxious to hear it. 
I wish it were six o'clock. 

Judah. It's just five now. You'll have to wait a bit. We can't 
have dinner until father gets home from the office. 

Miriam. I wonder where mother is. I wish she would tell us 
about Hanukkah. I love to hear about it. 
Enter Mrs. Solomon, door, center. 

Mrs. S. Hello, children. I've been looking for you. Are you 
all ready for Hanukkah? (The girls rush to her.) 

Simeon. Yes, mother, we are all ready. The candles are ready 
(pointing to a candelabrum on the table), and Judah's 
tasted all the food — and we're all anxious to hear the service, 
especially Hannah, who has never heard it before. 

Mrs. S. Haven't you, Hannah? 

Hannah. No, auntie, dear. In our little town there are no other 
Jewish families and sometimes, at the holidays, father 
doesn't read the service. Last time he read the Hanukkah service 
I was too little to understand. And I'm so anxious to know all 
about it. Won't you tell us about it now, auntie, dear? 

All. Yes, do, mother. 

Mrs. S. (Going to armchair and sitting down; girls sit on floor 

on each side of her.) My dears, I'll be glad to tell you 

the story of Hanukkah. But you must promise not to tell father 

when he comes. He'll be surprised to find you know all about it. 



The Enemies of IsraeV^ 



Judah. Won't he be pleased? And perhaps, if he's very, very 
pleased, he'll — he'll — well, perhaps he'll give us all an 

extra piece of cake. 

Simeon. Judah, be still, stop talking about eating for a while. 
Mother wants to tell us about Hanukkah. (All listen 

closely.) 

Mrs. S. Once upon a time — 

Judah. Oh, it's a fairy tale. 

Mrs. S. Better than a fairy tale, because it's all true. Once 
upon a time, many hundreds of years ago, the Jews 

lived in a distant land called Palestine. 

Miriam. Is it far away, mother? 
Mrs. S. Yes, my dear, it is very far. 
Hannah. Farther than — than New York? 

Mrs. S. Yes, dear, much farther. It was far across the ocean 

on the other side of the world; where the great desert 

ends and meets the land of beautiful flowers and luscious fruits. 

Simeon. Wait one minute, mother, I'll find it in the Atlas. Then 
perhaps Miriam and- Hannah will enjoy your story more. 
(He reaches down on the table and takes out an Atlas. He 
opens it and searches for the page.) P-Pa-Pal-Pale-Palestine. 
Here it is. (Pointing with his finger. The children all rush 
to see it.) 

Miriam. Yes, yes, and here's the Red Sea where Moses crossed 

with the people of Israel. 
Judah. And here's Jerusalem, where King Solomon built the 

Temple. And here's — what's this, mother, M-o-d-i-n? 

Mrs. S. (Looking over children's shoulders.) That's Modin. 
Modin — that's the scene of our Hanukkah story, Judah. 
I'm glad you found it. (Judah swells with pride.) 

Simeon. (Laughingly.) Christofo Colombo number two. 

Mrs. S. Now, children, to continue. (She reseats herself in the 
armchair and all listen closely.) Here in this beautiful 
land lived the children of Israel. Surrounded by enemies who 
prayed to idols, they remained true to the one and only God; and 
morning and evening their songs of prayer and praise rose over 
the vine-covered hillsides of Palestine. But evil days came upon 



8 " The Enemies of Israel " 

the children of God. A powerful enemy, the Syrians, conquered 
their country. Under the leadership of their king, Antiochus 
Epiphanes, they strove to make the people of Israel forsake God. 
Hannah. Antiochus Epiphanes, what a horrible name! 
Mrs. S. And a horrible king he was. He had Grecian idols of 

stone put into the Temple and he ordered the Jews to 
pray to them. All who refused were to be killed. 
Hannah. Or, dear, I'm glad I didn't live in those days. Did any 

Jews pray to idols? 

Mrs. S. Yes, Pm sorry to say, some did. But most of them 
remained true to their God, and many were killed for 
so doing. But they died a noble death. 

Judah. And how about my Modin? What happened there? 

Mrs. S. You are all puffed up about your Modin, aren't you, 
Judah? You have a right to be. In this little town 
lived an old priest, named Mattathias, with his five sons, Judah, 
John, Eliezer, Jonathan and Simeon. 

Simeon. Simeon, that's me. 

Judah. Be still. How could you have lived ^o long ago? And 
besides, father's name is Philip, not Mata — Mata — 
(Struggling.) 

Mrs. S. Mattathias, dear. This old priest was a man of great 
courage. When the king's men came to put the Syrian 
idols in the Temple, one of the Jews, who had no courage what- 
ever, fell on his knees before the idol and bowed to it. Enraged 
at this desertion of the true God, Mattathias struck at the cow- 
ardly Jew with his sword, and slew him. Then crying out to 
his sons, "Follow me!" he cut his way out to the countryside 
where he stirred up his people to revolt against the tyrant. 
Judah. And — then — I'll bet they had a war! 
Mrs. S. Yes, and what a war it was! For a long time the 
people had hoped for a leader and at last one had 
come. With shouts of praise they joined Mattathias' band and 
left their homes. to fight for their faith and freedom. When the 
old priest died he turned over his command to Judah. 
Judah. Judah! That's me! 
Simeon. Why didn't he give it to Simeon? 



'* The Enemies of Israel " 9 

Mrs. S. Judah was the third of the five sons, but he was the 

noblest and the bravest, and the old man knew he 
would grow up to be a great leader. If you only grow to be like 
him, Judah, I will have no cause to fear for you. 
Judah. (With great gusto.) Show me the Syrians! (All laugh.) 
Mrs. S. Mattathias' family came to be known as the Maccabees 

and the war they waged, the Maccabean war. For years 
they fought. Often they were defeated, but they had faith in 
God. After three years of bitter fighting Judah fought his way 
with his troops into Jerusalem. There in the newly-cleansed 
Temple the perpetual lamp was gladly and solemnly lighted. 
Eight days of feasting and of prayer were declared, and thus was 
celebrated the first Hanukkah. Now every year we burn our 
festive lights for eight days in memory of those brave Jews who 
were not afraid to die for their faith and who rescued it from 
those that wished to destroy it. But though Judah had recap- 
tured Jerusalem the Syrians still held other portions of Palestine 
in their grasp. The brave Maccabees were determined not to 
give up the struggle until the whole of Palestine was freed of 
the invader. The brave Judah fell in battle, but his brother 
Simeon took up the task. Year after year the Jews fought on. 
Step by step their land was wrested from the oppressor, until at 
last, after twenty-seven years of bitter fighting, the Syrians were 
completely defeated. The army of Antiochus was crushed and 
fled. Palestine was once more free of the invader and the reli- 
gion of Israel was saved from destruction. That is all, my dears. 
It is a simple story, but in all your books you will find none 
more beautiful, or more stirring. (All sit in silent rapture.) 
Hannah. Isn't it wonderful? Isn't it beautiful? It makes me 

real proud to be a Jewess. 
Judah. It's certainly great. I wish I lived in those days. I'd 

like to fight some enemies. Gee, Simeon, why haven't 
we got some enemies to fight? All we can do is have snow fights 
in winter and Indian fights in summer, and if I get into a fight 
with Mickey Jones, I get whipped for it when I get home. 
Mrs. S. And so you should. 
Simeon. But the Jews haven't any enemies now, have they, 

mother? That is, real enemies. The soldiers never 
come to bother us; the policemen don't say anything to us, except 



10 " The Enemies of Israel " 

when we play ball on the front street. Sometimes the boys call 
us names, but names don't hurt; and besides, I know they don't 
know what they are saying, so I don't mind much. But we've no 
real enemies. 

Mrs. S. Ah, my boys, we have lots of enemies to fight. 

Judah and Simeon. (Breathlessly.) Who are they? 

Miriam. It can't be the Syrians, 'cause there aren't any 'round 

here. 
Simeon. It can't be the Irish, 'cause they're so much fun. Mary 

wouldn't hurt a cat. 

Hannah. And it can't be the Germans, 'cause old Schmidt that 
runs the candy store is as kind as he can be. He 

always gives us an extra piece. 

Judah. I know, I'll bet it's the Rooshians. 

Mrs. S. (With a sigh.) You're partly right there, Judah. There 
in the East our brethren still die by the thousands. 

But our worst enemies are here, in our own country, in our own 

city. 

Judah. Who are they? (Doubling his fist ferociously.) Where 
are they? I'll get- up an army like Judah Maccabee. 

(Simeon salutes him.) 

Mrs. S. Think hard, my dears, you will find out. When father 
comes home from town I'll tell him to ask you and 

the one who guesses will get a surprise. 

Judah. Some cake, eh? 

Mrs. S. Better than that, my little hungry man. Come now, 
girls, Judah's getting too warlike; we'd better go. Come 
upstairs with me. Father will soon be home. (Exit Mrs. S. and 
girls, door center.) 

Simeon. Who can our enemies be, Judah? 

Judah. I don't know, Sim. But I'm going to find out. (He sits 

down in armchair with his head in his hands.) 
Simeon. (Goes to door, right.) I'm going out to the kitchen, 

Jud. Maybe I'll find the enemy there. 
Judah. (Looking up.) You won't. 
Simeon. Why? 



" The Enemies of Israel'' 11 

Judah. You won't have time. 

Simeon. Why not? 

Judah. You'll be too busy looking for cake. 

Simeon. Well, people who live in glass houses — 

Judah. Shouldn't look for cake. (As Simeon goes.) Ho, Sim! 
(Simeon reappears.) To save time, I'll tell you. It's 
in the upper drawer of the cupboard. (Laughs lightly. Simeon 
runs out door, right. Simeon runs back as though trying to 
escape someone; exit by door, center. Mary rushes in after him, 
rolling pin in hand.) 

Mary. Shure, and that's where they'll stay! Don't yez be 
gettin' in that cupboard again. (Exit, door, right.) 

Judah. I wonder who those enemies are. It's not the Irish, 
nor the Germans, nor the Americans — no, we're all 
Americans. (He yawns and slides down into a reclining posture.) 
Who are our enemies? (He grows very quiet; stage has been 
growing darker; he falls asleep; stage grows darker; curtain 
falls slowly.) 

SCENE II 

Our first short scene is done, dear friends. 

And you have heard how God his victories doth win. 

How Syrian king and heathen idols, too. 

Were beaten by the enemies of sin. 

How Judah and his Maccabeans brave, 

Fought on for many years against the foe. 

Their country and their glorious faith to save. 

That God and living Truth the world might know. 

And now as Judah of our story sleeps. 

Come with us to the Land of Dreams, and see 

How there, while tossing in his slumber deep. 

He found who now are Israel's enemies. 

Forget our humble tale — a journey take 

Upon a silver-footed sunshine beam; 

There where none doth ever come awake 

We both shall see our sleeping Judah's dream. 



12 " The Enemies of Israel ^* 

The Dream 

The curtain rises upon the same scene as Scene I. The room 
is arranged for a party of about twelve boys and girls. Guests 
are present. Judah, Simeon, Miriam, Hannah and Mrs. Solomon 
are also in the room. Judah is of course no longer in the arm- 
chair. There is general merriment as at a party. 

Judah. (Excitedly.) Wasn't the service great? Three cheers 
for Judah Maccabee. 

All. Ray, ray, for Judah Maccabee! 

Simeon. Let's play Syrians again. 

All. Yes, yes, let's play Syrians. 

(The group divides: six boys and girls on one side, six on 
the other side, front stage. Judah heads group to left who are 
the Jews, and Simeon heads group to right who are the Syrians. 
Mr. and Mrs. S. are in the rear, watching. The following is sung 
to an old playground melody with a martial air. The groups 
advance alternately toward the center of stage as though charg- 
ing an enemy and then retire to original position, then other 
side advances and retires, and so on to end. The entire game 
rnust be given a very martial air by the drill execution and the 
body carriage of the actors.) See Note I, Appendix. 

(Simeon's side advancing.) 

Tell us, have you any God? 
(Retire.) We are the Syrians. 

(Advance.) Tell us, have you any God? 

(Retire.) We're the Syrian soldiers! 

(Judah's side advancing.) 

Yes, we have but one true God. 
(Retire.) * We all are Israel. 

(Advance.) Yes, we have but one true God. 

(Retire.) We are Israel's soldiers! 

(Simeon's side.) 

(Advance.) Now, our kind Antiochus, 

King of the Syrians, 

Says you must bow down to us. 

We're the Syrian soldiers. 



<Judah's side.) 
<Advance.) 



<Simeon's side.) 



<Judah's side.) 



<Simeon*s side.) 



<Judah's side.) 



^Simeon's side. 
(Retire.) 



<Judah's side.) 



" The Enemies of Israel " 

We will ne'er bow down to you; 
We're God's own soldiers — 
For our hearts to Him are true. 
We're the Jewish soldiers. 

You must pray to idols fine. 

We are the Syrians. 

Eat their meat and drink their wine. 

We are the Syrians. 

Bow yourselves and slaughter swine. 

We're the Syrian soldiers! 

To your God we ne'er will pray. 

We all are Israel! 

Neither shall we run away. 

We all are Israel! 

We will fight, to God we'll pray, 

For we are Israel's soldiers! 

Run, you Hebrews. Run, run, run, 
We are the Syrians. 
We will slay you, every one. 
For we're the Syrian soldiers! 

Strike, O Jews, for Israel's God. 
We fight for Israel! 
We are His own lightning rod. 
We're Israel's soldiers! 

Run, O Syrians, let us fly. 
Come, run, O Syrians! 
Let us run or we shall die. 
Come, let's flee, O Syrians! 



13 



We have conquered by God's aid. 
We all are Israel. 

We have fought and we have prayed. 
We're Israel's soldiers. 
Now the Syrians we have flayed, 
For we are Israel's soldiers. 
(All laugh, break ranks and clap hands; general merriment.) 



14 " The Enemies of Israel " 

Mary. (Going out door, right.) Wurra — Wurran, they'd beat 

the Irish. 
Judah. We sure did lick 'em. Just like Judah of old and his 

Maccabees. Say, what's this coming? Look! (He 
points to the audience. All children rush forward and look 
intently. Hold position. Down aisle comes a figure in a black 
robe and black tights. His head is built up like a box. Only his 
face shows. On his arm he carries a big book. On his back is 
a sign in large letters, "Ignorance.") 
Judah. Look, what is it? (Ignorance walks up steps leading: 

to stage and stands poised for a minute. At top, chil- 
dren run to back of stage in fear. Mr. Solomon comes up to 
him from left. Ignorance turns to face Mr. Solomon, center,, 
stage.) 

Mr. S. (In authoritative tone.) Who are you? 

Ignor. (In a dull monotone which he maintains throughout.) 

I dunno. 

Mr. S. Where do you come from ? 

Ignor. I dunno. 

Mr.S. What do you want? 

Ignor. I dunno. 

Judah. (Mockingly.) I dunno. I dunno. What do you know? 

Ignor. (After a pause.) I dunno. (All in despair.) 

Mr. S. See here, my good friend, what do you mean by com- 
ing here unasked ? Give an account of yourself. Where 
do you come from? What are you doing here? 

Ignor. I dunno. I just walked in. 

Mrs. S. A Daniel come to judgment. 

Judah. Why didn't you come in through the door? 

Ignor. Is there a door? 

Hannah. Did you ever in your life hear of anyone so stupid? 

Ignor. Stupid? That's my cousin. 

Mr. S. Well, who are you ? 

Ignor. My name's here. (Pointing to his back.) 

All. Why, his name is Ignorance. 

Ignor. Yes, yes, that's it. 



" The Enemies of Israel'' 15 

Mr. S. Well, if you can't read, why on earth do you carry 
that book? 

Ignor. I found it there when I was born. 
Judah. (Who has been examining book.) Why, it's all cov- 
ered with dust. It looks as if it has never been opened. 

Ignor. No, I never opened it. I didn't know it could open. 

A little girl from rear. Boo hoo, boo hoo, etc. (Bursting into 
tears.) 

Mrs. S. (Rushing to her side.) What's wrong, dear? 

Girl. (Crying all the while.) I know him. He is Ignorance. 

Boo hoo, now I know what mother meant. (Crying.) 

Mrs.S. When, dear? 

Girl. Yesterday I wouldn't study and mother said I'd grow 

up to be ignorant, and he's Ignorance, and I don't 
wanna be like him. Boo hoo. (Etc.) 

Mrs. S. Then you must study, my dear, and you won't be like 

him. The horrid thing. 
Judah. (Excitedly.) Look, look, who's this? Who's this? 

(All look. Down aisle and up steps comes a second 
figure. He is a fat-bellied being with a red face and an evil 
grin. On his arm he holds a large sack filled with metals, with 
a large dollar sign on it. He jingles it up and down as he 
walks. Occasionally he stops, as though picking up coins, which 
he throws into bag. On his back is a large sign, "Greed." The 
children retire to rear again. Greed comes up to stage in like 
manner as Ignorance. He wears a yellow robe and green tights. 
Greed. Hello, folks; hello. Ignorance. Been here long? 
Ignor. (Turning to Mr. S.) I dunno. Have I? 
Mr. S. No, thank heavens, he hasn't. (To Ignorance.) And 

who's this? 
Ignor. That's my brother. 
Greed. Yes. I'm Greed. 
Mr. S. Greed? What are you doing here? 
Greed. I follow Ignorance. Wherever he goes, I follow. He 

just goes as he goes, but I get as I go. 
Mr. S. What do you get? 



16 ^^ The Enemies of IsraeV^ 

Greed. I get anything I can. I like dollars best. It seems to 
me you people don't know me. Out where I come from 
Pm somebody. Fve got more money than anybody for miles 
around. (Proudly.) Fve got two houses full of silver and gold 
things, with beautiful, expensive furniture — imported, all of it. 
And IVe got two automobiles and four servants. Pm a respected 
citizen, I am. Pm a pillar in the church. Why, do you know, 
Pve got the biggest house, the largest automobile, and the finest 
country house in the world? Haven't I, brother? (Turning to 
Ignorance.) 
Ignor. I dunno. 

Greed. I might have known you wouldn't know, old block. 

Say, what's that? (Seeing silver ornament on table 
and going over to it.) That's pretty, isn't it? Not so pretty 
as the one I have at home, but I like it first rate. Guess I'll 
take it along, (Reaches for it.) 
Mr. S. (Rushing to him and grasping it from his hand.) See 

here, you Greed, or whoever you are, let that be. How 
dare you touch that? I suppose you'll want the house and 
everything that's in it, next. 

Greed. (Withdrawing his hand.) Well, I might just decide 

to take a few things. If I do, I'll take it. Anything 

I see, I want, and anything I want, I get. (The children are 
in fear.) 

A little boy. (Bursting into tears.) Boo hoo, I'll never do it 

again. I'll never do it again. 
Mrs. S. (Rushing to him.) What's wrong, dear? 
Boy. (Between sobs.) Yesterday I ate up all the candy in 

sister's box and mother said I was a very greedy boy — 
an' — an' he's Greedy — an' — an', Boo hoo, I don't wanna be like 
him. Boo hoo. 

Judah. (In a loud voice, to Greed.) Just you dare to take any- 
thing here. Just you dare. 

Simeon. (Excitedly.) Look, look, who's this? Another one. 
Look! (All rush forward and look. A third figure 
comes down the aisle. He is thin, dressed in a black robe and 
black tights, with a large yellow streak down his back. As the 
others have done, he comes up to stage.) 



" The Enemies of Israel " 17 

Greed. Well, Fear, what are you after? 

Fear. (Timidly.) You know I always come after you, Greed. 

I heard these people quarrelling with you and I knew 
my place was near your heart. Greed, I would have been here 
sooner, but I couldn't. 

Greed. Why not? 

Fear. I was afraid, so I ran away, and I grew tired and had 

to lie down to rest. I lay down in a boy's heart and 

it was so cozy there I hated to leave. But Pll go back there again. 

Mrs. S. Who is this Fear? What are you doing here? (To 
Mr. S.) He v/ill enter the children's hearts. Let us 

drive them away. 

A little girl. (Crying.) Boo hoo, it was all his fault. It was 

his fault. (Pointing to Fear.) 
Mrs. S. (Rushing to her.) Don't cry, dear. What is it? 
Girl. Boo hoo, it's all his fault. Last night I wouldn't go to 

bed in the dark. I made mother sit beside my bed till 
I fell asleep. Boo hoo, she said I was a bad girl because I 
had so much fear of nothing, and he's Fear, and I don't want 
him any more. Boo hoo. 
Judah. (Excitedly.) Look, father, look, here comes another! 

(All look. Down aisle comes a fourth figure. He is 
roughly dressed, and dirty. On his back is a sign, "Evil." He 
comes up to stage as others have done. He is dressed in red 
robe and tights.) 

Miarim. Isn't he horrible! (The children are afraid.) 
EviL (In a rough voice.) Hello, my brothers., I knew I'd 

find you here. 
Mr. S. (In a loud voice.) See here, you, what are you doing 

here? Who are you and your vile companions? 
EviL Don't you know, sir? Why, I'm Evil. (Points to sign 

on back.) Here's my name. I keep it there because 
some people don't know me when they see me. These are my 
brothers. Ignorance, there, always goes first. Wherever he goes. 
Greed follows. Then Fear comes along, and I'm last. Where 
you find Ignorance, you'll find Greed; and wherever you find 
Ignorance and Greed, you'll find Fear; and wherever you find 
Ignorance, Greed and Fear, you'll find Evil, that's me. 



18 " The Enemies of Israel " 

A little boy. 0-oh, I'll be good. 0-oh, I was bad yesterday and 
mother said Td grow up to be an evil man, an' he's Evil 

and I don't wanna be like him. 0-o-oh, I'll be good. I'll be good. 

(Crying loudly; Mrs. Solomon comforts him.) 

Mr. S. (To Evil.) But why do you come here with your broth- 
ers in this strange fashion? Why don't you come 

through the door like all good respectable people? 

Evil. (Laughingly.) Ha, ha! We're not good nor respectable. 

Ha, ha! I should say not. 

Greed. I am. 

Evil. No, you're not. Greed. You only think you are. You're 

just like the rest of us. (To Mr. S.) You see, sir, we 
couldn't come any other way. We came this way (extending his 
hand to audience) because we live out there. 
All. Where? 

Evil. Out there, among the people. That's where we come 

from. From right out among the people. 

Mr. S. But how did you get there? 

Evil. Ha, ha! We've always been out there, since the world 

began. That's our home. 
Judah. (Curiously.) Don't you live on any street? 

Evil. Ha, ha! What fun. We live on every street — that is, 

one of our four. We always stick pretty close together. 
You're apt to find us all in the same place. Some people chase 
us away, but some people like us. We do our best to please 'em. 
See here, brothers, let's please these people. Let's sing for 'em, 
eh? Come on. (They line up to sing. In the following, the 
character referred to sings his lines, the other three joining in 
to sing the lines marked "Chorus" and all except the character 
pointed out join in singing the refrain.) See Note II, Appendix. 
(Ignorance sings first.) 

Ignorance. Who I am, I do not know. 

Ignorance they call me, so it must be so. 
Chorus. It must be so. 

Ignorance. I live in the bodies of folks, 'tis said, 

Whose brains rattle, rattle in their empty heads! 
Chorus. In their empty heads. 



" The Enemies of Israel " 



19 



(The other three, pointing to Ignorance.) 
Refrain. That is Ignorance standing there. 

He knows nothing and he does not care. 
If you don't study as good folks should, 
Your head will turn to a block of wood. 
(Ignorance taps his block-head.) 

Chorus. To a block of wood. 

Greed sings. I am the fellow that folks call Greed. 

I want everything that other folks need. 
Chorus. That other folks need. 

Greed. I want everything I ever see. 

Ha, ha! Don't laugh! There are many like me. 
Chorus. There are many like me. 
(The other three, pointing to Greed.) 

Refrain. There stands Greed with his sack of gold. 

He takes as much as his sack can hold. 

He has enough for three or four. 

But Greed is always looking for more! 
Chorus. He is looking for more! 

Fear sings. Fear am I, and I slink along, 

Fm just behind you when you're doing wrong. 
Chorus. When you're doing wrong. 
Fear. I'm afraid of the dark, dark night. 

But oh, I'm afraid, I'm afraid of the light. 
(The other three, pointing to Fear.) 



Refrain. 



Chorus. 
Evil sings. 

Chorus. 
Evil. 

Chorus. 



Look, oh look, there stands Fear. 
When you're doing wrong, he's always near. 
Here and there through the world he darts. 
And tries to creep into people's hearts. 
Oh, he creeps into your heart. 
I am Evil, of course you know. 
I always follow where the others go. 
Where the others go. 
I fill little girls and boys with fright, 
For with me, right's wrong and wrong is right I 
Wrong is right. 



20 " The Enemies of Israel '' 

(The other three, pointing to Evil.) 

Refrain. That is Evil standing there. 

Pray don't wander into his lair! 

If he catches you, he'll hold you tight. 

And he'll never let you do a thing that's right. 

Chorus. You'll never do right. 

All together. We are the horrible vices, four. 

We're not the only ones; there are many morel 

We go around and children test. 

And if you are weak, we do the rest. 

So you'd better watch out, our warning heed: 

Study, study hard, and have no Greed; 

Teach your heart to have no Fear; 

And never, never play where Evil's near. 

For we will get you if we only can. 

We like to stay near the heart of man. 

Listen to your heart, you may hear us roar; 

For we are the horrible, rip-roar-roarable. 

Horrible, horrible vices four. 

(The children all crouch in fear. Mary enters door, right, 
with tray in hand; looks at vices with a gasp of amazement; 
drops tray; throws her hands in air.) 

Mary. Glory be to Heaven! (Rushes out door, right.) 

Judah. I should say you are horrible. I don't see how any- 
body could like you. 

Evil. Lots of people like us. Ignorance, there, has lots of 
friends. He met them when they started to school, and 
they all quit. He is always true to them. Some of his friends 
think they are not like Ingorance, but they are, only they don't 
know it. Greed, as he has no doubt told you, gets as he goes, 
and he gets almost everything. Fear's specialty is getting into 
things. People's hearts, mostly. He likes it there. I just follow 
the other three, like water follows the river — just naturally, you 
know. When I get a place that I like, I usually stay a while. 
(Looking around.) It's nice here. I'd like to stay here. (To 
others.) What do you say? 

Ignorance. I don't mind. I might find some new friends here. 



" The Enemies of Israel ^^ 21 

Greed. Td like to stay here. I see a lot of nice things I 

could get. 
Fear. Td like to stay. I see a lot of nice hearts I'd like to 

creep into. Pll bet they're nice cozy hearts, too. 
Evil. Yes, yes, boys, we'll stay a while. 

(Mr. and Mrs. S. are in great fear. Just then a voice rises 
from the audience, clear and bell-like.) 
Voice — Truth. You will not stay. You will not stay. 

(The four vices crouch together. All are amazed. From out 
in the audience there rise the soft strains of sweet music. 
Down the aisle comes Truth, a tall, stately, beautiful girl, fol- 
lowed by twelve little girls dressed in white robes. Truth sings 
the following, all joining (the group) in chorus, as the whole 
group led by Truth walks slowly down the aisle and up to the 
stage where Truth in center, surrounded by the maidens, con- 
fronts the vices. Each little girl carries a red torch in her 
hand. As they march, they wave the torches (flash-lights may be 
used to good advantage) to and fro, in tune to the music. 
Song of Truth. (See Note III, Appendix.) 

Since first the darkness rolled away 

And glorious rose the sun to view; 

Since God raised man from out the clay. 

And first flowers shone 'neath the dew; 

We have coursed o'er the world, in the wake of man; 

We have followed him everywhere! 

We have searched out his heart and have lifted the ban. 

That the spirits of Evil placed there. 

We have entered the darkness and brought there the light, 

Dispersing the spirits that deaden man's heart. 

The banner of God we flung into sight. 

As the soul of man wakens and Evils depart. 

We are all the helpers of God! 
We are the bearers of light! 
We call men from Evil and Vice, 
For justice and virtue to fight! 
Come, O ye sons of men, 
The banner of God is unfurled; 
Flee, O ye spirits of Evil, 
Let Truth make bright the world. 



22 ^^ The Enemies of IsraeV^ 

Truth and charus. 

Come, O ye sons of men, 

The banner of God is unfurled; 

Flee, O ye spirits of Evil, 

Let Truth illume the world. 

(By this time all are on stage. Repeat chorus, if necessary, 
to get proper grouping. The vices are crouching at the foot- 
lights. When all is silent, Truth speaks.) 

Truth. You will not stay here, vices four. I have pursued you 
since the beginning of time, enemies of mankind, and 
at last I have found you. You shall work your harm no more. 
The Vices. (Whining.) Who are you? 

Truth. (Majestically.) I am Truth. These are my hand- 
maidens. Education and Religion. Have no fear, my 
children, where we come these four can do no harm. (The 
children are comforted.) Now, Evil, take your brothers — Go! 
I command you. (They start toward audience.) Not that way. 
There, behind you, go. (They do not move.) I need help. Strong 
arms and true hearts must help me. (Judah, Simeon and two 
others step forward.) 
Judah. I will help you. Truth. 
Simeon. And I, too. 
3d boy. And I. 

4th boy. And I, too. Now, Evil, take your brothers — Go! (The 
vices slink out door, center, followed by the boys. All 
hold their position for a moment; then boys reappear.) 
Truth. Which path did they take? 
Judah. The lower one. 

Truth. Good ! That is the path that leads to the forest of De- 
spair, in the land of Nowhere. Once you get in it you 
can never get out. They will never return. 
Mr. S. Tell us, O Truth, why did you not let them go that 

way. (Pointing to the audience.) 
Truth. Because I sent them into the Past. The Past is behind 
us. There they shall remain. This (pointing about the 
stage) is the Present. They could not go that way (pointing to 
the audience), because there lies the Future, and the Future 
belongs to me! (Proudly.) 

(All gaze at her fixedly; hold position, and curtain drops.) 



" The Enemies of Israel '' 28 

SCENE III 

Prologue 

The dream is done and from the land of sleep 
Come back, come back with me on silver wings, 
Where Judah wakens from his slumber deep. 
From dreams he comes again to living things. 
We've traveled far, o'er dreamlit field and lake. 
Here's earth again. O Judah! Come, awake! 

The curtain rises. Scene same as end of Scene I. Judah 
is sleeping in armchair. Enter Mr. and Mrs. Solomon and the three 
children from door, center. Mr. Solomon switches on lights. 
They creep up and look at the sleeping boy. Judah is seen strug- 
gling in his sleep. He moves his arms, mutters and suddenly 
awakens. He jumps to his feet and looks around in amazement. 
Judah. W-why — why — where am I ? Wh-wh-where is Truth ? 
Simeon. (Coming forward with a low bow.) Here I am, fair sir. 

(All laugh except Judah.) 
Judah. Why, I've been asleep. It must have been a dream. 
Oh, mother (rushing to her), I've found it. I know 
who our enemies are. 

Simeon and the girls. Who are they? 

Judah. The enemies of Israel aren't anybody. They're just 

spirits, unseen things. Ignorance, Greed, Fear, and the 
Evil that follows after them. They live inside us, in our hearts, 
in our own people. Judah fought the Syrians. We must fight 
ourselves. Or, mother, mother, thank God for Hanukkah that 
makes us look for our enemies and stirs us on to conquer them. 
Mr. S. Yes, children, Judah has dreamed it rightly. We are 

our own worst enemies. (To Judah.) After dinner, 
you may tell us of your dream. Meanwhile, here's the gift 
mother promised you. 
All. What is it? 

Judah. (Opening package.) It's a Bible. 
Mr. S. Yes, my boy, read it. Read it, all of you. You were 

looking for Truth, Judah, when you awoke. You will 
find it here. (Touches Bible.) 

(There is a pause; then Mary appears in door, right.) 



24 



" The Enemies of Israel " 



Mary. Faith, Mrs. Solomon, an' dinner be served; that is, 

what's lift of it. 
Mrs.S. What's left of it? 
Mary. Yes, mum. It's thim boys, mum. I started to prepare 

it at thray o'clock 
a-eaten' of it iver since. 

Judah. (In mock surprise, 
you ! 

Oh, Judah! How could you? 
I can not tell a lie, father, they 



an' Judah and Simeon 'ave been 
Why, Simeon! I'm surprised at 



Simeon. 
Miriam. 



(In mock surprise.) 

(Stepping forward.) 
both did it. (All laugh.) 

Mr. S. (At candelabrum on table.) Before we go in let us 
light our lights. It is six o'clock. 

(The children get behind the candelabrum. Each child lights 
two lights from the end towards the middle, thus: Miriam, 1 and 3; 
Hannah, 5 and 7; Judah, 8 and 6; Simeon, 4 and 2. Mr. and 
Mrs. Solomon at each side of the table, smiling.) 

1 Miriam. In the name of Education that frees us from Ignor- 

ance, I light this first light. 

2 Simeon. In the name of the Strength that comes from Knowl- 

edge that enables us to resist Greed, I light this 
second light. 

3 Miriam. In the name of Virtue that comes from Strength and 

frees from Evil, I light this third light. 

4 Simeon. In the name of the Courage, inspired by Virtue, that 

knows no Fear, I light this fourth light. 

5 Hannah. In the name of the Justice with which we will make 

straight the way, I light this fifth light. 

6 Judah. In the name of the Mercy, that shall temper life as it 

shall temper Justice, I light this sixth light. 

7 Hannah. In the name of the Faith that is as sure as the stars 

that never fail, I light this seventh light. 

8 Judah. In the name of the Spirit of God, which is the spirit 

of Judaism, builded on Faith, which inspired the 
Maccabees of old, who inspire us in turn with the spirit that 
never dies, I light this eighth light. 



" The Enemies of Israel '* 26 

(Then all join in singing the Hanukkah hymn to the old tradi- 
tional melody. As they sing the curtain slowly falls.) 

Song. To Thee, O Lord, we pledge our lives, 

Thine enemies to fight. 
The hosts of Israel stand arrayed 
To battle for the right. 
As Judah's band fought on for Thee, 
So will we fight through all our days; 
Till ev'ry evil is no more, 
And all the world sings loud Thy praise. 

See Note IV, Appendix. 



26 " The Enemies of Israel " 



Appendix 

r 

SUGGESTIONS FOR MUSIC 

Appropriate melodies for the four songs in this play may 
easily be found by any trained musician. For those, however, 
who have no time to devote to the selection of music the follow- 
ing notes may prove helpful. 

Note I. Hymn No. 63, Union Hymnal (Bloch Publishing Co.), 
may be used for the Song of the Syrian Soldiers. This melody 
can be adapted without difficulty to the four line verses. In 
verses of six lines each, repeat the melody which served for the 
third and fourth lines of the verse. 

Note II. Hymn No. 188, Union Hymnal, may be used for 
the Song of the Vices. Sing the last measure but one three times, 
to the words, "We are the horrible, rip-roar-roarable, horrible, 
horrible." In every case the Chorus repeats the melody immed- 
iately preceding its lines. For the last five lines of the song begin 
the melody at the second half of the hymn. 

Note III. Song of Truth, No. 74, Union Hymnal. 

Note IV. Hanukkah Hymn, No. 189, Union Hymnal. 



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